Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation
of my heart be pleasing to you, O L ord , my rock
and my redeemer.

Reflection:

Would you change the way you live if you knew that
every word and thought would be examined by God
first? David asks that God approve his words and
thoughts as though they were offerings brought to
the altar. As you begin each day, determine that
God's love will guide what you say and how you think.

WOULD YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU LIVE?

Scripture:

Psalms 17:8 NLT
8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide
me in the shadow of your wings.

Reflection:

Just as we protect the pupils (literally, "apples") of our
eyes, so God will protect us. We must not conclude,
however, that we have somehow missed God's
protection if we experience troubles. God's protection
has far greater purposes than helping us avoid pain; it
is to make us better servants for him. God also protects
us by guiding us through painful circumstances, not
only by helping us escape them.

(12TH Day of Christmas)

Read Matthew 2:1-8.

TEXT: Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?
For we saw His star when it rose and have come to
worship Him (Matthew 2:2).

We end this Christmas season with two final devotions
that once again stress Jesus' Kingship. When He was born
God set a special star in the heavens to signal His birth to
the wise men. These counselors, astrologers and scholars
prepared gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and set off
for the land of Israel.

After journeying many months they entered the capitol
Jerusalem and came to the palace of King Herod. There
they inquired where they might find the One "who has been
born King of the Jews." Herod consulted the chief priests
and scribes who pointed to the prophecy of Micah. "In
Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 'And
you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means
least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a
Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel'" (Matthew 2:5-6).

Informed by the Word of God, the wise men hurried from
Herod's palace to make their way to Bethlehem and the
completion of their journey. On this 12th day of Christmas
we too are reaching the completion of our Christmas journey.
But a new journey is just around the corner. In a few short
months we will follow our King Jesus as He goes to battle
to save us from our enemies.

THE PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, You set the Christmas star in the heavens
to guide the wise men to Your only Son. Guide us by the
light of Your Word to our glorious Ruler and King, Jesus
Christ. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)